New Zealand Maori culture

The origin and customs of Maori culture in New Zealand can be traced back to the mysterious times before their ancestors immigrated to New Zealand. Maori are the "indigenous people" of Aotearoa, and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand's way of life. Traditionally, Maori are exquisite artists, famous for weaving and carving. They are also excellent hunters, fishermen, gardeners and soldiers. By the end of 18, Europeans came to New Zealand one after another, first as whalers and seal catchers, then as missionaries and immigrants. Family concept is the central idea of Maori social structure, which refers to the family itself and its extended family, and is also a part of a tribal branch, and a tribal branch is a part of a tribe. Even today, Maori prefer to live together as a big family, which shows the continuity of the traditional way of life. However, with the influence of urbanization, many small nuclear families have appeared in the Maori population. Music and dance are an indispensable part of Maori culture. They like songs and traditional dances very much. In addition, Maori culture is passed down from generation to generation through music, songs, sculptures, weaving techniques, other handicrafts, storytelling and genealogy. The power and beauty of Maori art are also reflected in architectural sculptures, such as halls with sculptures; Some of them are reflected in various treasures including wood, bones and emeralds. Of course, carving and weaving techniques are closely related to traditional lifestyles and are also based on actual needs. Because Maori have no writing, their history and genealogy are recorded by carving in halls or houses. For example, the sculpture in front of the hall with sculptures has recorded the history of this house, and the top statue represents its ancestors. Most of Maori clothes, ropes and cloaks are made of flax and other natural fibers. Hard New Zealand jadeite (also called emerald) was originally used to make weapons and carving tools. Maori culture is very rich and colorful, because they have a special connection with nature, and their living environment is oceans, rivers, lakes and forests. The traditional dance mentioned here mainly refers to samurai dance. Because the New Zealand national football team is very famous at home and abroad, they always dance the Maori warrior dance before the war. Tattooing is a traditional Maori tattoo art, usually tattooed on the face, and its purpose and use are very sacred. Tattoo pattern is closely related to carving style. It used to be done by tattoo experts of clergy in the family, but now it is done by tattoo artists. There is no anesthetic when tattooing, which is very painful and may take months to complete. So this is a sign of personal courage, not suitable for timid people. Maori have a very close spiritual connection with the land. They think that land, soil and water are "treasures", and Maori regard themselves as the guardians of this treasure (land), because land is the source of unity and identity of local people. New Zealand is surrounded by the sea, so Maori have a strong connection with the sea. According to legend, Maori ancestors originally lived in or near the Cook Islands. They came by canoe, and the first canoe to arrive was led by Cooper and landed in the northern part of North Island. The aborigines in New Zealand are capable fishermen and will follow the fishing practice. Seafood caught by convention cannot be traded or sold. 2. Prayer: There is a kind of prayer that both the host and the guests should say to ensure everyone's safety and the smooth progress of the ceremony. 3. Exploration purpose: Traditionally, the owner has to determine whether the carrier's intention is friend or enemy, so the most agile and powerful warrior in this family will be responsible for the exploration task. 8. Gift: The guest gives it to the host, and the last speaker of the guest puts it down, indicating that all the speeches are finished. Traditionally, gifts are things that Maori consider valuable-emeralds, whale bones, cloaks or other treasures. Today, they will be replaced by money, which shows the prestige of visitors and the importance of parties. 9. Nose touching ceremony: This is a traditional greeting and the first physical contact between the host and the guest. Is that both sides gently touch each other's nose and forehead. Maori culture has not been lost, but has been integrated into modern life and even prospered.